White Pines Bike Ride
from Grand Rapids to Rockford MI.
Aug 12, 2023
This year’s annual bike ride will go from Riverside Park in Grand Rapids to Rockford Michigan. This is approximately 11-mile ride one way ride taking between 1 and 1 ½ hours to ride it. I would like to get on the trail by 10:10 - 10:15 AM as I’m anticipating warm summer weather. We will start in Riverside Park.
Directions Take US -131 to Ann Street. Turn left and go to the first stop light (Monroe Ave NE). Turn left onto Monroe Ave (going northeast). Go through three round-a-bouts. Take the next left street you come to. There should be a in the general area. The GPS coordinates for those who want to add the park to GPS device is 43°00'56.7"N 85°39'49.7"W or 43.015744, -85.663793
I suggest that we eat in Rockford. There are two places very near the White Pine Trail. They are Rockford Brewing Company (https://rockfordbrewing.com/) and The Toasted Pickle Rockford (https://thetoastedpickle.com/). Both have very good menus and serve adult beverages if you so desire. You can also order take out and set near the Rogue River Dam (this is alcohol free park.) We will ride back to Riverside Park once everyone has finished with lunch.
Again, please contact me if you are interested by:
Text – 269-806-8322
Phone – 269-806-8322
Email – joedill2004@ameritech.net
Hope to see you on this ride.
September Ludington Weekend
Friday 9/8-10
Come camp, kayak, bike and exploring Ludington or do them all if you chose. Below are the details as we know them now.
LOCATION: Campground is Cartier Park Campground. Website is (https://www.ludington.mi.us/374/Cartier-Park-Campground)
You will need to call to make your own reservation 231-845-1522. Click the link below to see site map prior to calling. It will help. https://www.ludington.mi.us/DocumentCenter/View/1113/CPMap2019
Nightly rates range from $27 to $34/night depending on what amenities you want on your site.
1 night NON-REFUNDABLE rate is charged at time of reservation. No refund even if it rains!
Scott and I have site #154. Another attendees' sites #157, 134.
At The Gate/Office:
Wood
Ice
Newspapers
Internet Hotspot
Local events
Weather Reports
At The Site:
Fire Pits
Picnic Tables
In Campground:
Showers
Restrooms
Playground
Pets are allowed in the Park. IF they bark while you are gone from your site, that is NOT allowed! So make sure they are HAPPY CAMPERS alone (see what I did there!)
WANT TO KAYAK?
Saturday the 9th
We are kayaking the Pere Marquette starting at 12 noon for a 2-3 hour float from Custer to Scottsville, MI. We can rent Kayaks for $40 with vehicle drop included. We cannot kayak into Ludington! Please contact Michele and she will add you to the kayaking reservation.
Email Michele Mollard at mmollard13@gmail.com or text her at 269-998-3331 if you are interested and your vote for Saturday kayak.
Remember to make your own campsite reservation, then let Michele know what site number.
FOOD OPTIONS:
Friday night dinner and Saturday breakfast will be on your own.
Saturday lunch, you are own your own.... eat a huge breakfast, eat lunch at 11 at the campgrounds, or bring a lunch for you float down.
Group dinner Saturday night around 6:30pm. More details to come once we know how many are attending.
Group breakfast Sunday morning around 8:30am as check out
is at 11am. It is very likely that Bob's bacon and/or sausage will be served.
OTHER STUFF:
Feel free to just join us for Saturday events. Feel free to find a house/hotel to stay at and join us for the events as well. Please just let Michele know.
Bring your bicycles as there is a 1 mile bike path, directly from the campground. You can also ride from the campground to downtown on a paved path. It is about 1.5 miles to town.
The campground is 1.5 miles from downtown Ludington. There can always be a shopping and/or dining excursion.
Michele and Scott will be bringing their corn hole board so we could have a fun competition during the weekend. Others are welcome to bring games as well.
Other summer possibilities
The club continues to look into other summer / fall activities. We know that this time of year is very busy for all of our club members. Some potential activates being looked at:
Pumpkinville Nature Trail Goshen, IN
floating the Pere Marquette Ludington, MI
southwest Michigan Wine tour
Please phone or text contact Joe Dill at 269-806-8322 if you have any interest or if there is an activity you think the club members would like to do this year or in 2024.
